Integrated high performance microfluidic organic analysis instrument for planetary and space exploration.

The exploration of our solar system to characterize the molecular organic inventory will enable the identification of potentially habitable regions and initiate the search for biosignatures of extraterrestrial life. However, it is challenging to perform the required high-resolution, high-sensitivity chemical analyses in space and in planetary environments. To address this challenge, we have developed a microfluidic organic analyzer (MOA) instrument that consists of a multilayer programmable microfluidic analyzer (PMA) for fluidic processing at the microliter scale coupled with a microfabricated glass capillary electrophoresis (CE) wafer for separation and analysis of the sample components.

TBX15 and SDHB expression changes in colorectal cancer serve as potential prognostic biomarkers.

Alterations in the expression of certain genes could be associated with both patient mortality rates and drug resistance. This study aimed to identify genes in colorectal cancer (CRC) that potentially serve as hub genes influencing patient survival rates. RNA-Seq data were downloaded from the cancer genome atlas database, and differential expression analysis was performed between tumors and healthy controls.

Operation of a programmable microfluidic organic analyzer under microgravity conditions simulating space flight environments.

A programmable microfluidic organic analyzer was developed for detecting life signatures beyond Earth and clinical monitoring of astronaut health. Extensive environmental tests, including various gravitational environments, are required to confirm the functionality of this analyzer and advance its overall Technology Readiness Level. This work examines how the programmable microfluidic analyzer performed under simulated Lunar, Martian, zero, and hypergravity conditions during a parabolic flight.

Optimization of Fluorescence Labeling of Trace Analytes: Application to Amino Acid Biosignature Detection with Pacific Blue.

Fluorescence labeling of biomolecules and fluorescence detection platforms provide a powerful approach to high-sensitivity bioanalysis. Reactive probes can be chosen to target specific functional groups to enable selective analysis of a chosen class of analytes. Particularly, when targeting trace levels of analytes, it is important to optimize the reaction chemistry to maximize the labeling efficiency and minimize the background.

Method for detecting and quantitating capture of organic molecules in hypervelocity impacts.

Enceladus is a prime candidate in the solar system for in-depth astrobiological studies searching for habitability and life because it has a liquid water ocean with significant organic content and ongoing cryovolcanic activity. The presence of ice plumes that jet up through fissures in the ice crust covering the sub-surface ocean, enables remote sampling and in-situ analysis via a fly-by mission. However, capture and transport of organic materials to organic analyzers presents distinctive challenges as it is unknown whether, and to what extent, organic molecules imbedded in ice particles can be captured and survive hypervelocity impacts.

Direct observation of lithium metal dendrites with ceramic solid electrolyte.

Dendrite formation, which could cause a battery short circuit, occurs in batteries that contain lithium metal anodes. In order to suppress dendrite growth, the use of electrolytes with a high shear modulus is suggested as an ionic conductive separator in batteries. One promising candidate for this application is LiLaZrO (LLZO) because it has excellent mechanical properties and chemical stability.

Fabrication of high-quality glass microfluidic devices for bioanalytical and space flight applications.

Microfabricated glass microfluidic and Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) devices have been utilized in a wide variety of applications over the past thirty years. At the Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory, we are working to further expand this technology by developing analytical instruments to chemically explore our solar system. This effort requires improving the quality and reliability of glass microfabrication through quality control procedures at every stage of design and manufacture.

The role of graphene oxide interlayer on corrosion barrier and bioactive properties of electrophoretically deposited ZrO-10 at. % SiO composite coating on 316 L stainless steel.

In order to overcome the poor adhesion of zirconia-silica coating electrophoretically deposited on 316 L stainless steel, graphene oxide (GO) was used as an interlayer. The effect of this interlayer on morphological, microstructural, corrosion performance and bioactivity behavior of ZrO-10 at. % SiO coating was studied.

Characterizing organic particle impacts on inert metal surfaces: Foundations for capturing organic molecules during hypervelocity transits of Enceladus plumes.

The presence and accessibility of a sub-ice-surface saline ocean at Enceladus, together with geothermal activity and a rocky core, make it a compelling location to conduct further, in-depth, astrobiological investigations to probe for organic molecules indicative of extraterrestrial life. Cryovolcanic plumes in the south polar region of Enceladus enable the use of remote in situ sampling and analysis techniques. However, efficient plume sampling and the transportation of captured organic materials to an organic analyzer present unique challenges for an Enceladus mission.

In-Situ Characterization of Lithium Native Passivation Layer in A High Vacuum Scanning Electron Microscope.

A technique to characterize the native passivation layer (NPL) on pure lithium metal foils in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) is described in this paper. Lithium is a very reactive metal, and consequently, observing and quantifying its properties in a SEM is often compromised by rapid oxidation. In this work, a pure lithium energy-dispersive x-ray spectrum is obtained for the first time in a high vacuum SEM using a cold stage/cold trap with liquid nitrogen reservoir outside the SEM chamber.

Cell response to plasma electrolytic oxidation surface-modified low-modulus β-type titanium alloys.

Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) has been demonstrated to be an effective surface treatment for enhancing the osteoconduction and osseointegration of commercially pure α-Ti (CP α-Ti) dental implant materials for clinical application. To explore the feasibility of extending the application of PEO to low-modulus β-type titanium alloys for load-bearing orthopaedic implants, a thorough understanding of the effect of substrate material on the biological performance of the PEO-treated surface is required. A 10 kW 50 Hz KeroniteTM processing unit was used to modify the surface of low-modulus near β-Ti13Nb13Zr and β-Ti45Nb substrates.

In Situ Scanning Electron Microscopy Detection of Carbide Nature of Dendrites in Li-Polymer Batteries.

Li metal batteries suffer from dendrite formation which causes short circuit of the battery. Therefore, it is important to understand the chemical composition and growth mechanism of dendrites that limit battery efficiency and cycle life. In this study, in situ scanning electron microscopy was employed to monitor the cycling behavior of all-solid Li metal batteries with LiFePO cathodes.

High Aspect Ratio Nanostructures Kill Bacteria via Storage and Release of Mechanical Energy.

The threat of a global rise in the number of untreatable infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria calls for the design and fabrication of a new generation of bactericidal materials. Here, we report a concept for the design of antibacterial surfaces, whereby cell death results from the ability of the nanofeatures to deflect when in contact with attaching cells. We show, using three-dimensional transmission electron microscopy, that the exceptionally high aspect ratio (100-3000) of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) imparts extreme flexibility, which enhances the elastic energy storage in CNTs as they bend in contact with bacteria.

Growth and current production of mixed culture anodic biofilms remain unaffected by sub-microscale surface roughness.

Bioelectrochemical systems couple electricity demand/supply to the metabolic redox reactions of microorganisms. Generally, electrodes act not only as electron acceptors/donors, but also as physical support for an electroactive biofilm. The microorganism-electrode interface can be modified by changing the chemical and/or topographical features of the electrode surface.

Polyethylenimine/kappa carrageenan: Micro-arc oxidation coating for passivation of magnesium alloy.

The aim of this study was to combine micro-arc oxidation (MAO) and self-assembly technique to improve corrosion resistivity of AZ91 alloy. While a silicate-fluoride electrolyte was adopted for MAO treatment, polyethylenimine (PEI)/kappa carrageenan (KC) self-assembly coating was applied as the second coating layer. Resulted demonstrated the formation of forsterite-fluoride containing MAO coating on AZ91 alloy depending on the voltage and time of anodizing process.

Cell Attachment and Proliferation of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells on PLGA/Chitosan Electrospun Nano-Biocomposite.

Objective: In this study, nano-biocomposite composed of poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and chitosan (CS) were electrospun through a single nozzle by dispersing the CS nano-powders in PLGA solution. The cellular behavior of human adipose derived stem cells (h-ADSCs) on random and aligned scaffolds was then evaluated.

Materials And Methods: In this experimental study, the PLGA/CS scaffolds were prepared at the different ratios of 90/10, 80/20, and 70/30 (w/w) %.

Nanobiocomposite of poly(lactide-co-glycolide)/chitosan electrospun scaffold can promote proliferation and transdifferentiation of Schwann-like cells from human adipose-derived stem cells.

The transdifferentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) into Schwann-like cells on biocomposite scaffolds may be a critical issue in nerve regeneration medicine. In this study, tissue-engineered scaffold with chitosan (CS) nanopowders and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) was investigated for its potential Schwann cells (SCs) transdifferentiation. The differentiation of human ADSCs into S-like cells was induced with different CS content and direction of nanofibers on PLGA/CS scaffolds.

Preparation and characterization of oligochitosan-tragacanth nanoparticles as a novel gene carrier.

The nanoparticles of oligochitosan-water soluble tragacanth (OCH-WST) as novel gene carriers have been prepared and their transfection efficiency has been investigated on Hela and HepG2 cell lines. Different OCH:WST weight ratios were prepared to obtain particles with low size distribution and high surface charge, and also in range of below 200 nm. Nanoparticles with 132.

Poly(ε-caprolactone)/nano fluoridated hydroxyapatite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering: in vitro degradation and biocompatibility study.

In this study, biodegradation and biocompatibility of novel poly(ε-caparolactone)/nano fluoridated hydroxyapatite (PCL-FHA) scaffolds were investigated. The FHA nanopowders were prepared via mechanical alloying method and had a chemical composition of Ca(10)(PO(4))(6)OH(2-x )F(x) (where x values were selected equal to 0.5 and 2.